Upcoming events at National Veterans Memorial and Museum

The National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM), located in Downtown Columbus, honors all of our veterans from all branches and all eras.

Guests experience a narrative journey of individual stories and experiences of veterans through photos, letters and personal effects, multi-media presentations, and interactive exhibits. 

The four foundational pillars aim to Honor, Connect, Inspire, and Educate. Guided Museum Tours are available daily at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Read below for upcoming exhibits, events, and museum discounts.

photo: National Veterans Museum and Memorial

Exhibits at NVMM

A Midshipman’s Journey

APRIL 15 – SEPTEMBER 19, 2023

This exhibition invites the viewer on a shared journey through the stories and impact of a proud tradition and process undertaken annually by tens of thousands of hopeful young men and women applying to the United States Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, M.D.

Through her loose, impressionistic and intentional brush strokes, Kristin shares the quiet, gritty and nostalgic experiences of USNA candidates during their transformation from plebes to officers.

We invite you to find parallels with your own life-changing stories (military-related or not) and the courage to dig into their meaning and express them in the way only you can.

Special events at National Veterans Memorial and Museum 

Photo courtesy: National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Sensory Saturday at National Veterans Memorial and Museum

April 22, 2023 

This sensory friendly museum experience offers enhanced sensory activities all day long including: reduced volume throughout the exhibit area, touch tours, hands-on educational activities, and more.

Sensory Bags available at the welcome desk upon request. The museum is a KultureCity certified inclusive institution. Details here.

NVMM Trivia Night at Taft’s

May 23, 2023 at 6 pm
Join the Museum at Taft’s Brewpourium Columbus for another special edition of Trivia! Members of the NVMM staff will be leading Trivia Night. Winners will receive complimentary tickets to the Museum! Details.

Memorial Weekend at NVMM

Free admission from Saturday, May 27 – Monday, May 29. Donations accepted to pay it forward to honor Veterans, Gold Star Families and ensure future accessible programming for all. Details.

Rooftop CrossFit Hero Workout

May 27 at 8-11 am
Join the NVMM and CrossFit Clintonville on Saturday, May 27, for a workout in honor Medal of Honor recipient and Navy SEAL, Lieutenant Michael Murphy. Murphy was killed in action when he risked his life to call for help during an ambush while serving in Afghanistan in 2005. Remember Lt. Murphy, his sacrifice and the impact it left on the people around him this Memorial Day Weekend.

There will be three separate times for you to be able to participate in this event: Heat One will begin at 8 a.m., Heat Two will begin at 9 a.m. and Heat Three will begin at 10 a.m. Registration for preferred timeslot available soon! 

“The Murph” Workout (completed for time)

1. One-mile run
2. 100 pull-ups
3. 200 push-ups
4. 300 squats
5. One-mile run

photo courtesy of NVMM

The National Ride for Freedom

May 27, 2023 at 9 am

Rev up your engines for the National Ride for Freedom! The vibrations from this event are expected to be felt all over town as hundreds of motorcycles converge at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. All motorcyclists are welcome to take part in this commemorative ride. Registration is $40.

Gold Star Family Candlelight Vigil

May 28, 2023 at 8 pm – 9 pm

During Memorial Day weekend, we honor the sacrifices of our Gold Star families who have lost a loved one in service to our country with a Candlelight Vigil.  

Our guest speaker is Major General (Dr.) Sharon Bannister, U.S. Air Force, a Gold Star daughter. Her father, U.S. Air Force Captain Stephen Rusch, was shot down over Laos in 1972. Sharon was six years old, and her sister, Rebecca, was just three when their father was declared missing. Maj. Gen. Bannister will share her personal quest for healing through connections made at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and how her father’s last words written in a letter home have helped propel her life forward.

The Gold Star Family Candlelight Vigil procession will begin on the Museum rooftop and travel down to the Soldiers Cross in Memorial Grove. Details here.

Memorial Day Virtual Run, Walk, Ruck and Roll

May 28, 2023

Join supporters for the annual National Veterans Memorial and Museum Run, Walk, Ruck and Roll to honor and remember those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony

May 29, 2023 at 10 am

Mark Memorial Day with our annual Remembrance Ceremony starting at 10 a.m. on the National Veterans Memorial and Museum rooftop. 

The keynote message will be provided by General Michael Garrett, U.S. Army (Retired) who spent 37 years commanding units in combat operations. He will share the importance of remembering our fallen service members.

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Folks can register for an in-person seat here. Those who are not able to join in person can watch live on Facebook or YouTube.

image courtesy of NVMM

Patriot Day Ceremony

September 11, 2023. The Museum will commemorate the Anniversary of September 11, 2001, during the Patriot Day Ceremony. 

Details will be released closer to the event.

Veterans Day Ceremony and Free Admission

November 11, 2023
Honor and celebrate the selfless service of millions of Veterans who have defended our freedoms and way of life during our annual Veterans Day Ceremony. Details will be released closer to the event.

Thanks to sponsors, museum admission is free to all on Veterans Day.

Rally Point at NVMM

Free, monthly event on the first Saturday of most month dedicated to connecting and educating Veterans, Veterans’ families, and those who wish to support Veterans. Check here for upcoming events.

To learn more, or to register for any of these event, sign up on the Events Calendar. 

Admission for National Veterans Memorial and Museum 

Free admission for U.S. military Veterans, active-duty military, and Gold Star families.

Adults (18-64) = $17
Senior (65+) = $15
College student with ID = $12
Youth (5-17)=$10
Children under 5 = Free

The Memorial Grove, a place of respectful reflection, is free and open from dawn to dusk

Membership starts at just $35/yr for one person

Parking is $5-$10, but free for Veteran, Active-Duty, Gold Star Families.

Free admission with Pickerington Experience Pass

Get free admission with the Pickerington Experience Pass, available for in-person checkout at all branches of the Pickerington Public Library.

Pickerington Experience Passes allow general admission for up to 2 adults and 5 children and be redeemed one time within two days of checkout. Even parking is free! Bring your parking ticket inside to the Welcome Desk for validation! Holds may be placed using a Pickerington Public Library card ONLY. 

Columbus Member Advantage Program

If you’re a member of select Central Ohio attractions, you can save $3 on general admission to NVMM and other attractions through the Columbus Member Advantage program.

No coupon is necessary. Simply show your valid participating membership card when you visit! Limited to 4 discounts per membership per day; can’t be combined with other discounts.  

Member Advantage partners for 2023 include:

• Columbus Museum of Art and Pizzuti Collection (see our article)
• Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (see our article)
• Dawes Arboretum (see our article)
• Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (see our article)
• LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Columbus (see our article)
• National Veterans Memorial and Museum (see our article)
• Ohio History Center & Ohio Village (see our article)
• Wexner Center for the Arts (see our article)
• COSI (advanced tickets required)
• The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art and Technology (also qualifies for ASTC reciprocal admission) 

Museum Hours

Currently open Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except special events or holidays.

Special Holiday Hours: OPEN

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Presidents Day ($1 admission)
• Memorial Day (free admission)
• July 4
• Veterans Day

Holidays CLOSED

• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• New Year’s Day
• Easter Sunday
• Labor Day

National Veterans Memorial and Museum 
300 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 
(614) 362-2800 
website | Facebook

Past events at NVMM; tba for 2023

Constitution Day: tba

Have you ever memorized the preamble to the U.S. Constitution? Your knowledge will pay off if you visit us on Constitution Day! Secure a $10 ticket by reciting the preamble to the U.S. Constitution at our Welcome Desk. Constitution Day also includes educational activities for the whole family and a free gift!

Hispanic Heritage Month

TBA for 2022. NVMM is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by offering guided tours by Spanish-speaking tour guides. 

photo courtesy of National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Military Brats Day: tba

Calling all Military Brats! Identify yourself as a “Military Brat” at the Welcome Desk and receive free admission to the museum.

Balanced Warrior Yoga: Sundays in July at 9 am

Beginning on July 17, you can relieve stress, build resilience and maintain optimal fitness with a Yoga program. Certified instructor Jennifer Ballou will lead each class through basic poses to advanced movements to help you find your inner peace of body and mind.

This class welcomes all, regardless of yoga experience or level of fitness. Veterans and civilians alike are invited to participate and connect.

Classes are free, but registration is required.

Wellness Weekend at NVMM

August 5-7, 2022

“Scars and Stripes” with Nick Palmisciano: Friday, August 5 at 4 pm
Please join us on August 5 as we kick off Wellness Weekend with Nick Palmisciano, U.S. Army Veteran and co-author of “Scars and Stripes: An Unapologetically American Story of Fighting the Taliban, UFC Warriors, and Myself.” Palmisciano will discuss the book and initiatives he started to help Veterans (Ranger Up), Afghan refugees (Save Our Allies), “Ranger 15” movie and the importance of resilience and wellness programs in the Veteran community.

This event brings together the original inspiration for Wellness Weekend, the Veterans and creators of The Twenty-Year War: Our Next Greatest Generation. At 4 p.m., guests will enjoy free exhibition tours by the creators themselves: Tom Amenta and Dan Blakely (both U.S. Army Ranger Veterans) and photographer and producer, Beau Simmons.

Tickets are required.

Jiu Jitsu Seminar: Saturday, August 6 at 9 am

The NVMM is honored to offer a free jiu-jitsu seminar with Robin Geisler, 5th degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and instructor at GracieOhio Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Columbus, Ohio. He will share the mat with Lt. General Michael Ferriter, U.S. Army (Retired), NVMM president and CEO. Together, they will take participants through the jiu-jitsu fundamentals of Teamwork, Respect and Character as well as how it can help conquer the challenges participants face each day.

We believe in having a welcoming and safe learning environment for all levels of experience. Beginners to advanced individuals are welcome.

This seminar is free, but registration is required.

Purple Heart 5K Run: Saturday, August 6 at 7:30 pm

In recognition of Purple Heart Day on Sunday, August 7, we are hosting The Buckeye Purple Heart Foundation’s Annual 5K Run/Walk. This special day honors all of our nation’s brave servicemen and women who were killed or wounded in action. With a unique start time of 7:30 p.m., participants will experience the trail and skyline of Columbus lit up in purple. All participants will receive a T-shirt and commemorative coin.

Yoga with Phil Sussman, American Yogi: Sunday, August 7 at 10 am

Mindful movement with U.S. Army Veteran Phil Sussman, co-founder of American Yogi. He will lead slow, mindful, vinyasa-style class for all levels and abilities with a strong focus on breath and finding calm within. Phil’s goal is to make yoga more accessible and help all men and women find a vehicle to peace. Class is limited to 40 participants, and a yoga mat is required.

Young at Heart Day

Sunday, August 21, 2022. Join us for “Young at Heart” day! Guests aged 65+ can visit the museum for just $2!

Image: National Veterans Museum and Memorial

VetOHIOExpo 2022

September 8, 2022. The National Veterans Memorial and Museum is excited to partner with Think Veterans First to host the 2nd annual VetOHIOExpo at the Museum. Details here

Pets and Vets Week

October 19-22, 2022 from 11 am – 3 pm daily
From service animals to household companions, animals are shown to reduce stress and positively impact overall health in humans. 

This free community event is open to the public and includes adoption opportunities from local shelters and animal welfare organizations. Well-behaved service animals trained to assist visitors with disabilities are always welcome during Museum visits.

If you wish to explore the museum, they are offering a discounted $10 ticket for those who attend the Pets for Vets events. See more details and information about bringing your pet on the website.

National First Responders Day

October 28, 2022
All active and retired first responders get free admission on National First Responders Day. A valid ID must be presented at the door. Details here

photo courtesy of National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Veterans Jiu Jitsu Seminar 

November 12, 2022 at 9 am

Free jiu-jitsu seminar at the Museum during Veterans Day weekend to help celebrate the service of those in our armed forces with our guest instructor, Vitor Oliveria, from the Ronin Training Center.

The practice of jiu-jitsu can provide many benefits for those in the Veteran community and we are excited to recognize the work of Veteran jiu-jitsu students from the local Columbus area. After the seminar, participants are encouraged to stay and watch students be promoted.

We believe in having a welcoming and safe learning environment for all levels of experience. Beginners to advanced individuals are welcome. Details and registration.

Poetry and Open Mic Night

Friday, December 9 beginning at 6:30 pm. Poetry & Open Mic Night in the exhibition gallery. This event is free for both Veterans and civilians to connect over a shared interest in poetry and the written word.

U.S. Army Veteran and author, Amy Sexauer, will lead a live poetry reading and discussion of her debut work of poetry, “Poppies.” Amy will be joined by the founders and editors of the Veteran owned and operated publishing company, Dead Reckoning Collective, who will provide insight into their own works.

Journaling Workshop

Saturday, December 10, from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Journaling Workshop led by Dead Reckoning Collective. This is a one-day, hands-on workshop that is free for Veterans and $25 for non-Veterans.

Comedy Night at the Museum

December 10, 2022 at 7 pm. Comedy Night with All Veterans. Still Serving Their Country. One Joke at a Time.

Thom Tran, Walter Campbell and Jose Barrientos, collectively known as The GIs of Comedy, take the NVMM stage on December 10. This comedic troupe of troops will share their love of country combined with a healthy dose of laughter. Tickets are $25

Martin Luther King Jr. Day – $1 Tickets

Monday, January 16 at 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. The museum welcomes guests on MLK Day for $1 admission, and to be inspired by the courage of those who served their nation.

President’s Day at NVMM

Monday, February 20

Enjoy $1 admission to visit the museum on President’s Day from 10 am – 5 pm. Learn more about their unique stories and discover the experiences of our Veteran Presidents when you visit.

hands-on activities for visitors of all ages including a presidential scavenger hunt, coloring pages, and presidential trivia in the Great Hall at 12:00, 1:00, and 2:00 p.m. (winners receive prizes from our gift shop!).

Legacies of Black Veterans

Sunday, February 26, 2-3:30 p.m. | Free

Honor the 200,000 pioneering Soldiers of the United States Colored Troops (USCT). Authors, scholars and descendants will discuss the USCT’s critical contributions to the Union’s victory in the Civil War, share lesser-known pieces of history and feature musical performances and a poetry reading from the works of Paul Laurence Dunbar. 

The event is free, but registration is required.

Jiu Jitsu Seminar with Laurah Hallock

Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 9 a.m. | Free

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt Laurah Hallock joins us for our March Wellness Weekend Jiu Jitsu Seminar in celebration of Women’s History Month. As a black belt under Vitor Henrique Oliveira and a member of the GF Team (Ohio) in jiu jitsu’s sporting circuit, she is considered one of the best athletes of her generation.

Registration required.

Mid-Ohio Food Collective Resource Fair

Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 10 am

Any and all from the community are welcome to join in on the various activities offered to learn more about what kinds of resources are available to you as a resident of Franklin County, Ohio. Details here.